Welcome to Flourishing Disciples, a podcast for those committed to living as apprentices of Jesus. Hosted by Pastor Kirk Sexton, this series dives deep into what it means to follow Jesus and his way. With special guests from various congregations, we explore best practices for cultivating a vibrant, intimate relationship with Jesus through daily prayer, scripture reading, and thoughtful contemplation. Our hope is to inspire you to reflect God’s love in your life, so others may come to know and love Jesus. Join us as we grow together as Flourishing Disciples.
Publisher
Mountain View Presbyterian Church
Category
history · religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality
What does it really mean to abide in Christ?
In this episode of Flourishing Disciples, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Debby DeBernardi explore Jesus’ powerful words in John 15: “I am the True Vine.” Together, they unpack the difference between striving to produce spiritual fruit and learning to live from a place of deep, relational connection with Jesus.
As the disciples walked toward Gethsemane, Jesus gave them one final image—not of effort, but of intimacy. The vine and branches remind us that transformation doesn’t come from trying harder, but from abiding more deeply.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Why abiding—not achieving—is the center of spiritual growth
How the “trap door” of performance can quietly shape our faith
What it means to receive the life of Christ as your own
Why fruitfulness is the natural outcome of connection, not the goal
You’ll also be guided into a simple, meaningful practice to help you abide in Christ throughout the week.
Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, stuck on the “hamster wheel,” or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this episode invites you to slow down, remain, and receive.
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
18 Mar 2026
Season 8, Episode 5
In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton is joined by teacher Debby DeBernardi to explore one of Jesus’ most profound declarations in John 14.
As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He comforts them with the promise that He Himself is the way to the Father, the truth that guides our lives, and the source of eternal life. Together, Kirk and Debby reflect on what it means to trust Jesus relationally, follow His way in a confusing world, and experience the transforming life that comes from abiding in Him.
This conversation invites listeners to deepen their relationship with Christ and take practical steps toward becoming flourishing, discerning disciples.
10 Mar 2026
Season 8, Episode 4
In this episode of Flourishing Disciples Podcast, host Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with teacher Debby DeBernardi to explore Jesus’ powerful claim in John 11: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life.” Through the story of Lazarus, they reflect on how grief and loss reveal what we truly believe about God and how Jesus invites us to move from trusting a doctrine about resurrection to trusting Him as the Resurrection. What does it mean to experience resurrection life even now? Join the conversation as we consider how faith in Christ brings hope in suffering, freedom from fear, and new life for everyday disciples.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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